Page 11 of Rett

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said, staring down at her. She looked up at him, giving him her full attention. “I shouldn’t even be thinking the thoughts I’m having, given the trouble I may be in.”

“You’re not alone in this, Rett. When I let you in my apartment, I thought you were the most beautiful man I’d ever seen, and that was when I thought you were homeless and on the run.”

“Well, you were half right,” he said with a sad grin.

“Look, I don’t know all the details or what’s going on, but I know that I’ve never met anyone with such a pure, kind soul. All of you, really. Otto, Luc, Gabe, they’ve all been amazingly kind to me. I know that it was foolish of me to let you in, but I just couldn’t help myself.”

“Do me a favor and help yourself going forward,” he smirked. “What happened with you? Why were they involved?”

Casey spent the next twenty minutes explaining what had happened, and how the Gray Wolf team helped to stop the Keogh family. She thought the danger was behind her until the three men showed up on her doorstep. Not related to the whole incident, she still found herself in danger once again.

“I’m damn sorry I brought that to you,” said Rett.

“Rett, once again, you didn’t bring it to me. Those men did. Someone said they saw you outside the apartment and told them. Although I do have to say, I was glad Otto and the others were with me when I walked home that evening.” She yawned as the song ended, and Rett smiled down at her.

“What cottage are you in?” he asked.

“I think Otto said it was one-twenty-six,” she said with a shrug.

“That figures,” laughed Rett. “I’m in one-twenty-five. My great-grandmother has a plan for everything.”

“A plan?” she frowned.

“Never mind. Come on. I’ll walk you to the cottage.”

As they moved along the paths, he pointed out the gardens, lit by beautiful landscape lighting. It was as if they were walking through a fairy garden. Casey expected to see mythical creatures, fairies, goblins, and leprechauns pop out at any moment.

Rett talked about playing hide-and-seek with his brothers in the maze and the massive oaks they climbed every summer. By the time they reached her cottage, Casey felt as though she’d known him forever.

“Well, this is you, and that’s me across the path,” he smirked. “The locks are the best in the world, but again, no one gets on the property unless we know about it. If you need me, you can just open the window and call out. I tend to sleep with the windows open.”

“Even when it’s cool like this?” she asked.

“I like cooler weather,” he smiled. “I take advantage of it when it’s like this because summer will be here soon, and it can be extremely humid and hot. It’s amazing that I survived all these years in south Louisiana and the jungles.” She nodded, slowly walking up the steps. She turned, now eye to eye with him on the third step.

“Rett? Whatever they say you did, I know you didn’t do it. I know you’re a good man. I just know it.” She leaned forward, kissing his cheek, and he smiled. As she reached the door, he called out to her.

“Casey? That chef in Paris was a complete fucking idiot. No one in their right mind would ever walk away from you.” She gave him a shy smile, disappearing inside the cottage. He heard the locks engage and turned to go into his own cottage.

Stopping cold, he realized there were five men seated on his front porch. He stared into the darkness, knowing that they must be friends. As he got closer, he saw his father, Kiel, Luke, Hex, and his two brothers, East and Eazee.

“Fucking taking years off my life, you assholes,” he muttered. His brothers stood, gripping him with a big hug, slapping his back.

“We’re all officially on administrative leave. No one believes the bullshit Ramos is spouting, especially since no one can produce the body of the dead woman to definitively identify her. Whatever he’s trying to do, it’s slowly losing credibility. Since we’re identical, there’s also the cluster of trying to decide which one of us he’s accusing.”

“I’m so fucking sorry you got dragged into this. But it doesn’t change the fact that I was set up, drugged, and framed for a murder I didn’t commit. I want to know why.”

“We’re going to figure it out, son,” said Kiel. “I’m just glad you’re all home and safe. Get some sleep, and we’ll meet in the tent for breakfast tomorrow. Mama Irene says no talk of dead bodies or drugs allowed.”

“How is that fun?” grinned East.

“Go to bed,” frowned Kiel.

“But Daaa-aad,” he whined. Kiel shook his head.

“I’m slowly regretting my previous comments of being glad you’re home.” He sighed, then looked at his three handsome identical sons. “But I am glad. Fucking thrilled you’re all here and safe.”

“Wait, where are East and Eazee staying?” asked Rett.

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